Ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera, is an ancient adaptogenic herb primarily used in Ayurvedic medicine to help the body manage stress and anxiety. While sought for its calming properties, some users report an unexpected, intense sensation they describe as feeling “high” or intoxicated. This effect is not true euphoric intoxication but a strong pharmacological response. The sensation results from the herb’s powerful influence on the central nervous system, which is intended to induce deep relaxation and anxiolysis. This article explains the biological reasons for this altered perception.
The Primary Active Compounds
The therapeutic and psychoactive effects of Ashwagandha are primarily due to withanolides, a class of steroid-like compounds concentrated in the plant’s roots and leaves. Withaferin A is a highly studied and pharmacologically active withanolide, possessing potent anti-inflammatory properties. The plant also contains various alkaloids, such as somniferine and tropine, but withanolides are considered the main drivers of the adaptogenic and calming effects.
The concentration of these compounds is not consistent across all Ashwagandha products and varies widely depending on the plant part used and the extraction process. Withanolides are typically found in higher amounts in the leaves, while the roots contain a different profile of withanolides and other active constituents like sitoindosides. The specific composition of any given supplement can be highly variable due to these differences.
Neurological Mechanisms Causing Altered Perception
The central reason for the “high” sensation is Ashwagandha’s ability to modulate the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) pathway in the brain. GABA is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, functioning as the body’s natural brake pedal to slow down brain activity. By enhancing GABAergic activity, Ashwagandha’s compounds promote profound relaxation, anxiolysis, and sedation.
Specific withanolide derivatives act as GABA-mimetic agents, binding to and activating GABA receptors, particularly the GABAA receptor. This binding mimics natural GABA, allowing chloride ions to enter the neuron and making the cell less excitable. The resulting decrease in neuronal activity leads to a calming effect, reduced anxiety, and a feeling of mental and physical slowing.
This strong inhibitory action is often misinterpreted as being “high” or intoxicated. The sensation is a dose-dependent effect of central nervous system depression, not true euphoria. The profound calmness, slowed thought processes, and altered state of awareness are direct consequences of amplifying the brain’s inhibitory signals. This strong sedative quality, especially at higher intake levels, is easily perceived as an intoxicating feeling.
Factors Influencing Potency and Individual Experience
The intensity of the sensation depends on several factors that determine the amount of active compound reaching the central nervous system. Dosage is a primary influence, as higher quantities of the extract lead to a greater degree of GABAergic activity and a more pronounced sedative effect. The physical form of the withanolides, such as glycosides versus aglycones, also affects absorption, with some forms being significantly more bioavailable and potent.
The quality and standardization of the product introduce further variability. Supplements that are not standardized or contain inconsistent levels of withanolides can lead to unpredictable effects. Genetic differences in how an individual’s liver metabolizes these compounds also impact the experience. If the liver processes withanolides slowly, the active compounds remain in circulation longer or at higher concentrations, intensifying the feeling.
The timing of consumption, such as taking the supplement on an empty stomach, can increase the rate of absorption and the peak concentration of active ingredients in the blood. This faster onset can lead to a sudden, overwhelming feeling of sedation. Users might then confuse this rapid sedation with intoxication.
Addressing Safety Concerns and Misinterpreting the Sensation
The sensation described as “high” is a pharmacological consequence of deep anxiolysis and sedation. Users should reframe this feeling as potentially excessive drowsiness, mental clouding, or dizziness, which can impair coordination and reaction time. Experiencing this altered perception is a clear indication that the dosage is too high for the individual or the product is unusually potent.
Safety concerns arise when this sedative effect is combined with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Ashwagandha can synergistically potentiate the effects of alcohol, sedatives, prescription sleep aids, and anti-anxiety medications. This combination can lead to dangerously increased drowsiness or slowed breathing, so users must exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider before combining Ashwagandha with any other CNS depressants.
Signs of Over-Sedation
Severe drowsiness, pronounced nausea, or persistent dizziness are signals to reduce the dose or discontinue use entirely. Individuals with existing liver conditions should also avoid the supplement due to rare reports of liver injury associated with its use. The best course of action is to start with the lowest possible dose and carefully gauge the individual response, recognizing that a strong feeling of altered perception is a warning sign of over-sedation.